Two major sabotage attempts foiled in Bannu

BANNU:

Unidentified saboteurs carried out two major acts of terrorism in different areas of Bannu district on Wednesday night, targeting a Government Girls Middle School and a vital link bridge.

However, timely action by security forces and the Bomb Disposal Unit prevented large-scale destruction and potential loss of life.

The first incident occurred in Mama Khel village of the Khairki area in Tehsil Hassan Khel. Unidentified individuals planted explosive material inside the Government Girls Middle School Mama Khel under the cover of darkness. The resulting blast caused partial damage to the school building, cracking walls in several classrooms, shattering windowpanes and doors, and affecting other parts of the structure.

Local sources said the attack took place when the school was closed, which prevented any casualties among students, teachers, or staff. The incident spread fear and panic in the area, with parents expressing serious concern over the security of girls' educational institutions.

Upon receiving information, police, security forces, and relevant officials reached the site, cordoned off the area, and collected evidence. Initial investigations suggest the motive was to damage a government educational institution, create fear among locals, and disrupt educational activities. Authorities have launched a detailed survey of the damaged building and are assessing the extent of the losses.

The second incident took place in the Bachki area of Jani Khel, where miscreants had planted a drum filled with explosives beneath an important link bridge, apparently aiming to destroy it and disrupt traffic. Security forces and the Bomb Disposal Unit team responded swiftly, reaching the site and successfully defusing the explosive device with great skill, thereby averting a major tragedy.

Security sources stated that had the explosives not been neutralized in time, the bridge's destruction would have severely affected transportation and could have led to significant loss of human lives.

Following both incidents, law enforcement agencies have registered cases and initiated investigations. Search operations and intelligence-based actions have been intensified across the district to trace and arrest those involved in the sabotage attempts.

Security officials have vowed to ensure the protection of civilians, educational institutions, and government installations at all costs.